Deadly floor mats?!

Papa_Complex · 09-17-2009, 07:38 AM

Toyota orders floor mat checks after fatal crash
Last Updated: Tuesday, September 15, 2009 | 4:12 PM ET Comments20Recommend35
CBC News

Toyota has ordered its dealers to inspect their cars after a floor mat was suspected of snaring the accelerator pedal of a Lexus that crashed in California, killing four people.

California Highway Patrol officer Mark Saylor, his wife Cleofe, their 13-year-old daughter and an in-law died Aug. 28 when a Lexus ES 350 loaned by a local dealer crashed in San Diego County.

A preliminary investigation found that their loaner car had a floor mat from another Lexus model that may have caused the accelerator to get stuck.

Witnesses said the car was doing more than 190 km/h when it went off an embankment and burst into flames. The family's screams were heard in a 911 call.

During the 50-second call, passenger Chris Lastrella told the police dispatcher that the accelerator was stuck.

Toyota Motor Sales USA said dealers must make sure all Lexus and Toyota vehicles have the proper mats.

Investigators from the U.S. National Highway Safety Transportation Administration were also examining the wrecked vehicle because of a 2007 recall involving after-market "all-weather" floor mats, which could slip and snag on the gas pedal, agency spokesman Ray Tyson said.

I just heard an audio recording of the call. During the nescast they mentioned that a CHP officer was the driver. In the course of 50 seconds, shouldn't a CHP officer have the presence of mind to turn the ignition off?

marko138 · 09-17-2009, 07:40 AM

Wild, right?

Tmall · 09-17-2009, 07:40 AM

Applying the brakes would have been his best bet.

I'm yet to see a car that can overcome its brakes...

marko138 · 09-17-2009, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tmall

Applying the brakes would have been his best bet.

I'm yet to see a car that can overcome its brakes...

Yeah, I'd say there's a couple of problems with his approach. Too bad.

Papa_Complex · 09-17-2009, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tmall

Applying the brakes would have been his best bet.

I'm yet to see a car that can overcome its brakes...

With one pedal already stuck, I'd be reaching for the key. At least that's what I was always told to do.

karl_1052 · 09-17-2009, 09:20 AM

Neutral.
Brake.
Handbrake
run it agains the barrier to slow it down

WTF?

marko138 · 09-17-2009, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by karl_1052

Neutral.
Brake.
Handbrake
run it agains the barrier to slow it down

WTF?

Sorta reminds me of that time some broad was "locked" inside her car and didn't realize if you hit the unlock gimmick the door would open.

pauldun170 · 09-17-2009, 09:34 AM

Dumbass...

toss it in neutral
Apply brakes, turn on hazards...pull over to the side.
shut down engine

Kaneman · 09-17-2009, 12:44 PM

Maybe it was intentional?

goof2 · 09-17-2009, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Papa_Complex

With one pedal already stuck, I'd be reaching for the key. At least that's what I was always told to do.

I have heard different things. The issues with turning the key off is you lose power steering, power brakes, and depending on how far you turn the key the steering lock can engage. The best bet in my mind, and has already been mentioned, is put it in neutral. You may blow up the motor, but it beats the alternative.

09-17-2009, 07:38 AM	#1
Papa_Complex Nomadic Tribesman Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Brampton, Canada Moto: '09 ER-6n Posts: 11,150	Deadly floor mats?! Toyota orders floor mat checks after fatal crash Last Updated: Tuesday, September 15, 2009 \| 4:12 PM ET Comments20Recommend35 CBC News Toyota has ordered its dealers to inspect their cars after a floor mat was suspected of snaring the accelerator pedal of a Lexus that crashed in California, killing four people. California Highway Patrol officer Mark Saylor, his wife Cleofe, their 13-year-old daughter and an in-law died Aug. 28 when a Lexus ES 350 loaned by a local dealer crashed in San Diego County. A preliminary investigation found that their loaner car had a floor mat from another Lexus model that may have caused the accelerator to get stuck. Witnesses said the car was doing more than 190 km/h when it went off an embankment and burst into flames. The family's screams were heard in a 911 call. During the 50-second call, passenger Chris Lastrella told the police dispatcher that the accelerator was stuck. Toyota Motor Sales USA said dealers must make sure all Lexus and Toyota vehicles have the proper mats. Investigators from the U.S. National Highway Safety Transportation Administration were also examining the wrecked vehicle because of a 2007 recall involving after-market "all-weather" floor mats, which could slip and snag on the gas pedal, agency spokesman Ray Tyson said. I just heard an audio recording of the call. During the nescast they mentioned that a CHP officer was the driver. In the course of 50 seconds, shouldn't a CHP officer have the presence of mind to turn the ignition off? __________________ "Everything's better with pirates." - Lodge, "Dorkness Rising" http://www.morallyambiguous.net/

09-17-2009, 09:20 AM	#6
karl_1052 sergeant hatred Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Ottawa Moto: The bus Posts: 2,723	Neutral. Brake. Handbrake run it agains the barrier to slow it down WTF? __________________ My wife was afraid of the dark...then she saw me naked and now she's afraid of the light.

09-17-2009, 12:44 PM	#9
Kaneman AMA Supersport Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Odessa, TX Moto: 2000 Honda CBR1100XX Blackbird Posts: 4,931	Maybe it was intentional? __________________ 1982 Honda XR80 - blown motor, 1993 Kawasaki ZX6D - sold, 2001 Suzuki Bandit 1200S - sold, 1984 Honda Magna - sold, 2001 Kawasaki ZRX1200R - blown motor, 2007 Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom - totalled, 2003 Yamaha FZ1 - sold, 1994 Honda Magna - sold, 2001 Honda CBR600F4i - sold, 1998 Suzuki DR350 - stolen, 1989 Honda Super Magna - sold, 2007 Yamaha Stratoliner, 2000 Honda CBR 1100XX Blackbird

09-17-2009, 07:40 AM	#3
Tmall Aspiring Rapper Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Halifax, NS Moto: '12 CB1000R Posts: 3,569	Applying the brakes would have been his best bet. I'm yet to see a car that can overcome its brakes...